Lightened-Up Pumpkin Spice Bars

Easy pumpkin-spice bars made lighter with less fat & sugar. Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 2/3 cup dark brown sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin purree 1/4 cup fat-free milk (or almond or soy milk) 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) light butter, melted (or regular butter or melted coconut oil) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients until fully combined. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, and pumpkin together until combined. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until *just* combined. Do not overmix. 3. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely and cut into 12 squares. Bars remain fresh for up to one week stored chilled in an airtight container.